1200V and 400A IGBT

[really24]

Hi,
I've been doing some research on finding a single IGBT module for a motor drive application that can operate at 1200V and 400Amps.

Any ideas?

 

[really24]

I've seen a Mitsubishi brand and Powerex brands. I'd like to spend under $200 to $250 if possible for each. I need 3.

Thanks!

 

[ScottyUK]

A year or two ago, Fuji were marketing some big modules in Europe. Also check out Toshiba's latest offerings.


By the way, do you mean 'operate' on a nominal 1200V link, or rated at 1200V absolute maximum? Two different things!



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If we learn from our mistakes,
I'm getting a great education!

 

[really24]

Sorry...
Those are Absolute Maximums.

1200V - collector-emitter voltage
400A - collector current

 

[sreid]

Two other major suppliers are International Rectifier and IXYS. To operate at 1200 VDC you will need a 1700-1800 VDC unit because of inductive voltage spikes (which can be truely awesome when switching 400 amps).

 

[sreid]

Seriously consider Powerex Intellimod IGBT Modules. The biggest plus is integrated short circuit protection.

 

[really24]

I went ahead with the CM400HU-24F. Would anyone have any suggestions on a heat sink??

 

[sreid]

First, remember from the spec that the 400 amp rating is at 25 degree C case temperature. Supose this IGBT/Diode is chopping 200 amps into an inductor. Irrespective of the duty cycle either the diode or the IGBT is conducting. If Vce sat = Vf = 2 V, the IR losses are V x I = 2 x 200 = 400 Watts.

There are also switching losses. Roughly the switching losses can be approximated for a turn on/turn off cycle by

Psw = (B+)(I)(Tsw)(Tfreq)

If the B+ is 800 V the switching period is 50 usec and the switching time is 200 ns

Psw = (800)(200)(0.2 x 10^-6)(50 x 10^-6) = 640 Watts

Roughly 1000 Watts need to be dissipated in the Heatsink. If then one allows a 50 degree C rise in the heatsink, the heat sink needs a thermal resistance of no more than

Delta T/Power = 50/1000 = 0.05 Deg C/Watt

I'd look at heatsinks available from R-Theta.

 

[ScottyUK]

Alternative heatsink suppliers could be Redpoint-Thermalloy, IMI-Marston and Aavid. Aavid are usually prepared to do small batches of custom lengths from their standard profiles. The others probably offer a similar service, although I haven't used it.

You will definitely need a fan on the heatsink, unless you go to more sophisticated systems with liquid-cooled heatsinks and an external heat exchanger. At this power level, you should still be able to extract enough heat using a conventional heatsink with forced air flow unless you have a very high ambient temperature or need to enclose the unit in a sealed enclosure.






------------------------------

If we learn from our mistakes,
I'm getting a great education!

 

[sreid]

You might want to checkout the optically coupled gate drivers from Agilent. Some include features that can be a big benefit (short circuit protection).